Back to original page

Tick prevention week

Spring into action and protect yourself.

 

Ticks aren't just nasty parasites ... they're dangerous nasty parasites! Cover up and prevent tick bites.


This is an annual campaign to raise awareness regarding the dangers of tick bites, and how to reduce the chance of infection.

The campaign week is held in early spring, when the weather gets warmer, people spend more time outdoors, and ticks become more active.

Be aware

 

Ailsa is certain: Lyme disease is a box you really don't want to tick!


Quotes from sufferers

... but don't panic

 

Not every tick carries disease, and not every bite will transmit disease, even if the tick is infected.

Top 10 defence tips
 

About the campaign

Tick Prevention Week is organised by BADA-UK (Borreliosis and Associated Diseases Awareness-UK), a registered charity, which aims to increase awareness; to counter the increase in cases of Borreliosis and other tick-borne diseases (TBDs), and the increasing risks of being bitten by an infected tick.

The purpose of Tick Prevention Week is to:

  • Help advance the level of awareness regarding TBDs and emphasise the fact that they are not as rare as many people believe.
  • Teach simple preventative measures that can be taken to deter ticks.
  • Teach correct tick-removal methods that can help to reduce the chances of transmission of infective agents if a tick does attach.
  • Encourage communication and discussion between organisations, healthcare professionals, and members of the public, to achieve a better understanding of how to:
    (a) defend against TBDs,
    (b) identify infection promptly.
  • Promote research into ticks and the symptoms, cures and prevention of TBDs.

The Chartered Institute of Environmental Health (CIEH), endorses Tick Prevention Week

Andrew Griffiths, Acting Director of Policy, CIEH says,
"The CIEH takes the issue of tick-borne disease in the United Kingdom very seriously. According to evidence presented in 2005 to the World Health Organisation's project on Urban Pests, ticks are responsible for the transmission of more cases of human disease than any other arthropod vectors in North America and Europe. Cases of Lyme borreliosis have more than doubled in England and Wales since 2001, and have trebled in Scotland.

The CIEH National Pest Advisory Panel (NPAP) held a seminar on emerging tick-borne diseases at the University of Salford in November 2006, where public awareness was highlighted as of vital importance in helping to address the escalation in cases of infection. We therefore welcome the BADA-UK initiative to raise awareness of these issues and are delighted to endorse "Tick Prevention Week" as a valuable awareness campaign. NPAP will also be publishing its own guidance for environmental health and pest control practitioners later in the year."

Scottish Gamekeepers endorsement

The Scottish Gamekeepers Association (SGA) is pleased to support BADA-UK and the vital work that they do to highlight the increasing threat ticks pose to human health; their commitment is second to none.

The SGA have been involved in monitoring the increasing devastation brought to game stocks in recent years, and recognise the urgent need for far greater research and investigation into the true extent of the problem. Until such times as this is carried out, and effective tick control measures can be put in place, awareness and preventative measures are essential to reduce the increasing incidence of tick-borne disease in humans.

Alex Hogg: Chairman.
Scottish Gamekeepers Association


Be aware of the facts!

On 12th February 2008, in a press release on the likely health effects of climate change in the UK, the Health Protection Agency (HPA) reports that tick-borne diseases are likely to become more common due to changes in land management and an increase in leisure activities.

In a report published by the National Expert Panel on New and Emerging Infections, 23 November 2004, it was highlighted that Lyme disease, one of many tick-borne diseases, currently poses a significant public health threat in the UK.

Borrelia burgdorferi, the bacterium responsible for Borreliosis / Lyme disease, is described as endemic to Scotland. In England and Wales, confirmed cases have been recorded in 80% of the counties and regions and, out of these, 85% of patients were infected in the UK.

Currently in England and Wales it is reported by the Health Protection Agency that annually there are approximately 600 confirmed cases of Lyme disease per year. However, they estimate that the total number of un-recorded incidents is likely to be an additional 1000-2000 cases each year.

Fact

 

Currently there are no vaccines available to combat tick-borne disease in the UK. The only defence is tick control and, above all, knowledge.

Frequently asked questions.